Skyward, Inc., provider of K-12 school administrative software, is launching a Student Reward System that uses motivational methods to connect students' positive behaviors with rewards provided through its online software. The Student Reward System is a free integrated feature of the Skyward Student Management Suite.
Within the system, students can assume a virtual identity, or avatar, and earn points for academic-related activities and game play. When students accumulate points, they are able to customize their avatar, advance to new levels within the system, and earn the ability to redeem “virtual” points to purchase items from their school store. Students can share their avatars and point totals with family members and peers.
The reward system is customizable, enabling districts to rename the program under their own brands (e.g., “Panther Points”) and to set reward parameters, point allotments and other system features to meet their needs. Educators can define point-earning opportunities, such as achieving a particular assignment score, improving their grades, meeting an attendance goal, or exhibiting other positive behaviors. Parents and teachers will be able to monitor their students’ progress through the system, while school and district leaders can analyze data by school, grade or class to spot trends.Skyward will provide a sneak peek of the Student Reward System to attendees at its iCon user event, February 27-March 1, in Orlando. The system, which is in its final development stages, will be widely available at the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. In future product releases, Skyward plans to expand its platform and add educational games that supplement classroom lessons in partnership with game developers and providers.
